CC MEETING: August 20, 2024
DATE: August 5, 2024
TO: Erin Rinehart, City Manager
FROM: Jonathan Wheat, P.E., Director of Engineering
Krystle Boise, Strategic Services Director
Title
Consider A Resolution Authorizing The City Manager To Execute A Professional Services Contract With Bridgefarmer And Associates, Inc. For Engineering Services Related To The Design And Plan Preparation Of The Quiet Zone #3 Downtown Carrollton Project In An Amount Not To Exceed $575,000.00.
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BACKGROUND:
In 2015, the City of Carrollton contracted Bridgefarmer and Associates, Inc. to analyze a future quiet zone in the downtown area. The preliminary study focused on 8 locations along the BNSF railway through Downtown Carrollton. Ultimately it was determined that these locations conflicted with future improvements to I-35E and the Cotton Belt Railway. Construction of the Downtown Quiet Zone was placed on hold until after completion of these projects.
Since that time, multifamily units have been added to the downtown area. The influx of residential housing has led to increased demand for a Downtown Quiet Zone along the DGNO rail line as well as the BNSF rail line. This design contract will focus on creating quiet zones for 10 locations along these rail lines.
Bridgefarmer and Associates, Inc. has been a reliable consultant for many years for the City of Carrollton and provides a project manager with over 40 years of railroad project experience. The firm has successfully completed designs for Quiet Zone #1 and Quiet Zone #2, provided a preliminary study for a Downtown Quiet Zone, and has provided railway expertise for the review of the Cotton Belt Design Plans. Based on the qualifications submitted, staff believe Bridgefarmer & Associates, Inc. has the expertise to determine the most efficient and effective means to implement a quiet zone in Downtown Carrollton.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Bridgefarmer and Associates, Inc. has submitted a proposal to the City of Carrollton to perform all survey and engineering design services for the Quiet Zone #3 in an amount not to exceed $575,000.00 This fee includes all services required through final design and construction. The necessary funding is available in the Streets fund.
IMPACT ON COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY:
This project will support the City Council’s strategic objectives and vision of building a community that families and businesses want to call home by:
• Reducing overall noise in the Downtown Carrollton area.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION/ACTION DESIRED:
Staff recommends authorizing the City Manager to approve a Professional Services Contract with Bridgefarmer and Associates, Inc. for the design and plan preparation of the Quiet Zone #3 project in an amount not to exceed $575,000.00.